IS IT REALLY WORTH IT?

WORTH 9

She received the next step through email this time, a week after that awkward dinner with Louise. Niki briefly wondered if all ten steps would simply be various dates at different restaurants, because step three told them to meet up at six P.M at a restaurant called Disco. What the hell type of name is that?

Niki only got the email at five P.M. Was Rachel mad? Niki groaned long and loud.

"Niki, what's wrong? I can hear your groaning from the kitchen."

She lifted her head and saw Mel staring at her from the kitchen doorway. "I'm pretty sure this marriage counsellor is an i***t," Niki told her. "Or just completely mad."

Mel frowned and walked over to her. She had an apron on with a Tweety bird cartoon on the front, which really didn't suit her but was clearly bought by Kiara, and of course Mel would wear it without question. "What is she making you do now?"

"Another date night," Niki whined. "If I knew taking Louise out on dates could mend our marriage, I would have done it myself instead of going to some nut job."

Mel pointed a wooden spoon at her face. "Now, don't knock it yet. I like that she's making you guys start at the beginning. I mean, think about it, when last did the two of you actually spend time together since your marriage problems started?"

Niki thought about it and drew a blank. "I mean, a while... but that isn't the point. I don't even know what to say to her. We either fight or we just sit there and sulk. I hate it."

"Are you going to quit then?"

Niki slid her laptop shut with a sigh. "No," she said. "I made a vow and I'm keeping to it. I might not love Louise anymore, but I still made a point to at least try." She stood. "Now, help me find a sexy pair of shorts."

Mel snorted. "Sexy shorts? Do those even exist?"

"Yeah, the super tight, really short ones. Maybe I'll show off some leg, make Louise remember what she's missing."

Mel outright laughed then. "Or terrify her with the Wookie living on your legs." She laughed again when Niki slapped her shoulder and retreated to the kitchen, so impressed with her own joke that she simply continued to laugh.

"My legs are not hairy!" Niki rolled her eyes and hurried to her bedroom to find some casual clothes.

***

Louise's personal phone rang, but she ignored it.

"Uh, shouldn't you get that?" Kiara asked.

The phone continued to ring, but Louise only shrugged her shoulders and continued typing away at her computer. "It's my personal phone," she explained.

Kiara didn't seem placated. "What if it's Niki?"

Sighing, Louise stopped typing and sent Kiara a look. The phone finally stopped vibrating. They stared at each other in silence, then the phone started ringing again. Their eyes remained locked, Kiara narrowed hers and then Louise looked away and sighed again.

"Fine," she grumbled, reaching for the offending device. It wasn't Niki's number, or even saved on her phone. She didn't recognize it. "Hello?"

Someone immediately yelled into her ear, almost causing her to throw her phone across the room. "Aren't you excited?!" they yelled again, so loudly that even Kiara could hear it from her seat across Louise.

"Wow," Kiara mouthed in shock.

Louise sighed deeply. She knew that voice, and on some level, the screaming too. She pressed the phone against her ear again. "Was that really necessary?" she asked. "And why are you calling me?"

Rachel hummed as if in deep thought about that question. "Well, step three is in effect right now. How close are you to finishing your work?"

Lou's stomach dropped. "Nuh-uh, I can't do this again. I have too much to do."

"Louise, you signed a contract."

"I have a job."

"And a wife, too."

Louise remained silent. She tried to ignore Kiara's knowing look-she could of course hear every word Rachel said-but the guilt was starting and it grated on her damn nerves. She remembered the last time she had seen Niki, a week ago. Even though they had fought as usual, they had actually spoken pleasantly, had remembered their first date. She really, really didn't want to throw this marriage away. She just... wasn't sure what on her part she needed to do. But if it was complying to this dumb ten step system, then so be it. Louise closed her laptop, shut her PC off and stood from her chair.

"Fine," she said. "What do I need to do?"

***

Louise had never been to Disco before, quite obviously. It wasn't her scene at all. Not only was she completely uncomfortable, but she was also slightly overdressed. Niki had shown up in a t-shirt and shorts and she looked relaxed, if a bit bored.

Living up to its odd name, the restaurant had a large dance floor right in the centre, with a disco ball hanging from the ceiling. The waiters all had whacky hairstyles and outfits, and music from the 70s played from speakers all over. It set such a weird atmosphere that Louise didn't even feel hungry. Niki seemed to be, since she was intently studying the menu.

"None of this looks appetising," she finally said, setting the menu down with a sigh. "What the hell is Rachel thinking?"

Louise ran a hand through her hair. "Right? This place is so weird."

"I wouldn't be surprised if a group of clowns suddenly appeared and started serving tables."

Louise covered her mouth and giggled just thinking about it. "Honestly, I can see that too."

Niki smiled at her. It had been so long since Niki had just smiled, more specifically at her, that Louise never realized how much she had missed it. Her heart gave a steady thump and she cleared her throat. "We should probably order something."

Niki nodded. "Maybe we should just sneak out and get some McDonald's."

Their waiter appeared suddenly, grinning so wide it must have hurt. "Good evening ladies, I have been told to deliver this message to you." He set a paper down on the table. "Are you ready to order?”

Niki reached for the paper as Louise gave her order. When the waiter left, Louise curiously looked over at Niki and saw that she was glaring at the paper. "What?" she asked.

"That weirdo freaks me out," Niki muttered. She turned the paper so Louise could see.

'Please remain seated for the duration of your dinner. You may not leave until you've eaten, conversed and the bill has been settled. Enjoy! - RL.'

Niki made a show of shivering. "How the f**k did she know?"

Lou hid a smile behind her hand. "Maybe she bugged the table." They locked eyes. The suggestion actually didn't sound out of character. Niki opened her mouth to say something, but then suddenly a voice boomed over the speakers and her mouth clicked shut.

"Alright, all of you lovely couples! Before your dinner is served, it's time to dance!"

Their waiter whisked past, dropping another paper as he did. Niki hissed. "Where the f**k is she?"

Louise took the paper this time and opened it with hesitation. Her heart started beating nervously. "Niki," she said softly, garnering her attention. "You might not like this." Niki looked at her and she turned the paper so that she could read.

'Oh, by the way, dancing before eating is mandatory. You literally can't refuse. I'm watching. - RL'